You can’t grab a snack at the grocery store without seeing a
mag cover touting some celeb who lost weight on a trendy diet. When watching
our faves shows, we’re bombarded with commercials for Weight Watchers and Jenny
Craig. But should you go on one of
these diets?

Here’s how they work

For Weight Watchers, it’s about controlling portions through
a daily point allotment. For Atkins and South Beach, it’s about eating fewer
carbs. Other diets have you eating more fiber or watching fat intake. But no
matter how fancy the diet or involved the program, what it all boils down to is
eating fewer calories.

DIY!

Who needs a one-size-fits-all diet plan when you can do it
yourself? We’re not saying some people don’t find diet plans helpful, but it’s
really about cutting out high-calorie habits. So think about where you can
scale back. Lots of sodas and juice drinks are loaded with calories. Same with
fast foods. Serving yourself a mondo portion packs calories. Do you only eat
fruit once a week? Do you add extra cheese or butter to everything? Instead of
following a rigid plan, substitute an unhealthful habit for a better one. Stick
to water and skim milk. If you always eat cookies and candy, go for nuts and
fruit instead. Eat smaller portions, and add veggies.

Changing your eating habits for the better will cut out
calories and provide more nutrients. Over time, you will look and feel tons
better. How’s that for a diet you can stick with?

If there's nothing to eat but fast food, make healthy decisions about what you order. Opt for grilled chicken rather than fried.

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Memories! A song can totally take me back to a specific moment in time.Hard work. I'm in the band at school, so I have to keep my skills sharp. Chilling. I pop my headphones in and all my stress melts away. Getting pumped. The right music really gets me ready for a big game.